Lectin binding to chronic inflammatory gingival tissue: possible adhesion mechanisms based on lectin-carbohydrate interactions.

In this study, we analyzed the expression of different leukocyte surface antigens, of the adhesion molecules ELAM-1 and GMP-140 and binding of various lectins and neoglycoproteins in inflamed gingival tissue. Cell suspensions from collagenase-digested gingiva were analyzed by flow cytometry in a FACScan. The expression of ELAM-1, GMP-140, carbohydrate structures and lectins in gingival specimens was also studied by immunohistochemistry. Gingival tissue of patients with active periodontal disease contained between 5% and 50% CD45+ mononuclear cells, consisting mainly of CD19+ cells (B lymphocytes). CD62, resembling GMP-140, and ELAM-1 were strongly expressed on endothelial cells of these patients. Control subjects usually contained almost no CD45+ cells in their gingiva and no CD62+ or ELAM-1-positive endothelial cells could be found in 5 of 6 control persons. Analysis of the glycosylation pattern revealed staining of infiltrating cells by peanut agglutinin (PNA; specificity for galactose), whereas soy bean agglutinin (SBA; specificity for N-acetyl-galactosamine) bound to epithelial cells. An endogenous lactosyl-specific lectin could be detected on endothelial cells by binding of lactosyl-BSA. Ulex europeus I agglutinin (UEA-1, specific for fucose) showed selective staining of endothelial and epithelial cells. Expression of a fucose-binding lectin, demonstrated by binding of fucosylated BSA, could be found on infiltrating cells. The adhesion molecules ELAM-1 and GMP-140 seem to be involved in cell adhesion during chronic inflammation of the gingiva. Interaction of other carbohydrate residues with endogenous lectins might resemble additional adhesion mechanisms in inflamed gingiva.

Statistical analyses on the success potential of osseointegrated implants: a retrospective single-dimension statistical analysis.

Osseointegrated implants are a form of therapy that is finding increasing application in dental treatment. Long-term success can be ensured if the results of recall examinations are systematically documented. Life table analyses are being used to a growing extent to ensure objective assessment of the success of osseointegrated implants. With the help of the statistical method designed by Kaplan-Meier and Cutler-Ederer in 1958, the survival time of the implant can be calculated and the relationship between various covariables and the service time of the implants can be determined. This study calculates the success potential of 683 osseointegrated implants (IMZ and Brånemark) using the customary input-output statistics and life table analyses to explain the discrepancy between the two statistical methods, based on the results obtained.

Reproducibility of three-dimensional CT-assisted model production in the maxillofacial area.

In the mid-eighties, computerised tomography (CT) assisted three-dimensional imaging, and modelling of skull structures was introduced into preoperative diagnosis in maxillofacial surgery. This new method is already being used in the preoperative planning of corrections of post-traumatic defects and craniofacial deformities as well as in tumour surgery and implantology. The aim of the present study was to collect information on the reproducibility of a skull model milled from hardened polyurethane foam, and based on the CT data of a real skull. Thirty one measurements were carried out on the model and on the original skull, leading to the result that the model showed a mean inaccuracy of 1.5 mm. The deviations ranged between 0.0 and 3.6 mm. Generally, the model structures, however, tended to be larger than those of the original. As far as the total of all measurements is concerned, the model deviated from the original skull by 1.6%. A convincing aspect of the model, which cannot be obtained by any other method, is its plasticity and the possibility of 3-D orientation on a lifesize model. However, the study indicates that surgeons using this technique should consider the possible discrepancies between the model and the real skull when making preoperative assessments.

Sonographic measurement versus mapping for determination of residual ridge width.

To achieve long-term success of dental implants, evaluation of the dimensions of the resorbing alveolar process must be accurate because an implant should be surrounded by at least 1 mm of bone. Estimating the thickness of bone is more difficult because the mucosal contour can mask the actual dimension of the residual ridge. With ultrasound, it is possible to analyze and visualize the diameter of maxillary or mandibular residual ridges. Data obtained from ultrasound measurement of residual ridges were compared with the data from ridge mapping with the Wilson bone caliper and the Spoerlein caliper. The ultrasound measurement produced nearly the same data at all measurement points as ridge mapping. Ultrasound also provides exact information about the location of the mental foramen and the maxillary sinus. By using all three methods the initial stage of implant treatment can be planned.

[Ionomeric vitreous cement for retrograde root filling]. / Glasionomerzement als retrogrades Wurzelfüllmaterial.

In an in vitro study the sealing properties of materials commonly used for retrograde filling of apicectomized teeth were investigated in extracted teeth and compared with those of ionomeric vitreous cement. Materials tested included: --Heat-sealed guttapercha; --Guttapercha + phosphate cement; --Amalgam; --Standardized ceramic pins (Ulm system); and --Ionomeric vitreous cement. Sealing was established by methylene blue perfusion. Seals produced by heat-sealed guttapercha, guttapercha + phosphate cement and non-gamma-2 amalgam were found to be inferior to those obtained with ionomeric vitreous cement and standardized aluminium oxide ceramic pins.

[Conditions of the gingiva around endosteal implants with attached and unattached mucosa]. / Gingivalbefunde bei enossalen Implantaten mit fixierter und freier Schleimhaut.

The condition of the peri-implant mucosa is critical for the long-term success of endosteal implants. 111 endosteal implants (IMC and Brånemark) were examined to see whether peri-implant gingival attachment to bone and peri-implant inflammatory reactions correlated with implant stability. A direct relation was found exist between peri-implant mucosal attachment and pocket depth around implants, while the severity of peri-implant inflammatory reactions did not correlate with implant stability. But this might be explained by the relatively short implant residence of 5 years at the time of the follow-up study.

[Heavy metal deposits in pathologically modified hard tissues. Clinical and experimental studies]. / Schwermetallablagerungen in pathologisch veränderten Hartgeweben. Klinische und experimentelle Untersuchungen.

Various studies have shown a relationship to exist between toxic heavy metal accumulation and pathologic processes in various tissues. In the present study pathologic processes were found to be associated with an increase in the concentrations of various elements including Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and Mn. Our results suggest the accumulation of toxic heavy metals and the increase in the Zn concentration to be a secondary phenomenon. If the tissue damage becomes irreversible, the zinc concentration drops, while toxic heavy metals continue to accumulate. consequently, zinc could be an indicator of the biological reactivity of tissues.